Raiders opt for experience in hiring Tom Telesco as GM

The Raiders naming former Chargers GM Tom Telesco their new GM makes him the “first GM to be hired under Raiders owner Mark Davis to have practical experience in that position,” according to Vincent Bonsignore of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. That is an “important distinction to make, given the inexperience" of new Raiders coach Antonio Pierce. Telesco had been the Chargers’ GM from 2013 until he was fired Dec. 15. Interim Raiders GM Champ Kelly, who has served as assistant GM for the past two years, “remains highly regarded in the Raiders’ building” and is a "candidate to remain" as assistant GM. His lack of experience running a team “appeared to be his only undoing," as the Raiders “wanted a more established candidate” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 1/23). ESPN.com’s Paul Gutierrez noted Telesco is the fifth GM (regular and interim) to “work for the Raiders since Davis assumed control of the team.” Davis previously has said that the GM “will have final say in personnel decisions” (ESPN.com, 1/23).

THE RIGHT CALL: In Las Vegas, Ed Graney wrote the move to hire Telesco is “a no-brainer,” as he is “exactly what the Raiders need.” Graney: “If you’re trying to create a cultural change and get serious about your organization, you get Telesco, someone with vast experience in the position.” It is a “landmark shift in how the Raiders have handled their general manager hires.” Telesco “drafted some big-time talent" and “built rosters that people liked.” Graney: “Everyone misses. That’s part of a general manager’s world. But he has hit more than missed.” Getting along with Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos was "arguably one of the most important jobs for Telesco.” It is reportedly “one of his greatest strengths from those who know him best -- he understands how to build relationships.” That will be a "significant part of his tenure” with the Raiders (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 1/23).